Additional names

Additional scientific names

One of the more aggressive shelldweller cichlids. They possess a powerful physique and a large bass-like mouth. Despite their small size, they can hold their own against much larger tankmates. It is advised to keep no more than one male in a tank as they are very territorial. They will not tolerate any other males unless kept in a large tank with well sorted out territories. Unlike most other shelldwellers this species also requires more space than their size may indicate.

They are very similar in appearance and temperament to Neolamprologus boulengeri. Both species possess a distinctly unique trait where a spot of the body camouflage extends upwards into the dorsal fin. This is not a melanistic trait or a genetic defect caused by selective breeding, it occurs naturally. Hecqui Cichlids have a black edging around their fins and do not show as much yellow as N. boulengeri. Most specimens also possess a iridescent blue streak across the side of their body.